Melissa Donovan
Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can now go beyond NASA’s gates with The Gantry at LC-39, the center’s newest and most immersive attraction. Positioned just steps from the iconic Launch Complex 39 and the active launch pads of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, this experience places guests in the heart of America’s busiest spaceport.
A Front-Row Seat to Innovation and Nature
Situated amid the daily operations of Kennedy Space Center, The Gantry offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding launch infrastructure and natural landscapes. This premium vantage point also serves as a designated viewing location for select rocket launches, giving visitors an up-close perspective on the power of spaceflight.
Themed “Off Earth, For Earth,” the attraction emphasizes NASA’s mission to both explore space and protect the planet. Guests will discover how cutting-edge technology and Earth conservation go hand-in-hand at the only launch facility embedded within a federally protected wildlife refuge.
Climb Into the Heart of Rocket Science
At the center of the experience is the four-story gantry structure itself, which houses a life-sized model of a rocket engine. The dramatic Test Fire Simulation brings this engine to life during a countdown event that ignites the senses with thunderous sound, flashing lights, and cooling mist—recreating the intensity of a rocket test fire.
As visitors ascend the gantry’s levels, interactive kiosks and educational displays guide them through each stage of the rocket development process—from design and engineering to final launch. These hands-on exhibits illustrate how spacecraft are meticulously crafted for specific missions.
Explore the Largest Earth Information Center
The Gantry is also home to NASA’s largest Earth Information Center (EIC). This state-of-the-art hub features stunning satellite visualizations, engaging narrations, and interactive multimedia that showcase how climate and environmental changes are impacting life on Earth. The EIC provides a global perspective, linking space research directly to everyday life on our planet.
Interactive Exhibits, Real Rocket Launches, and Natural Wonders
Additional experiences include the Rocket Build Interactive, where guests can create and virtually launch their own rockets, and a launch viewing area equipped with a large LED screen for media presentations and livestreamed launches.
Visitors can also explore gamified exhibits with binoculars and touchpoints offering insights into different launch complexes. A shaded courtyard area features climbable animal sculptures and interpretive signage that highlights the biodiversity of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where Kennedy Space Center resides.
NASA’s commitment to environmental stewardship is woven throughout the attraction, showcasing the agency’s efforts to preserve local ecosystems while advancing space exploration.
Historical Artifacts and Relaxation Spaces
The Gantry also includes a display of an artifact from a retired Mobile Launch Platform, connecting today’s innovations to the legacies of the past. Nearby, an outdoor dining area along the Crawlerway—used to transport rockets to the pad—offers a casual space for relaxation. A Crawler-Transporter tread is on display, giving visitors a sense of the scale and engineering involved in rocket transport.
Getting There
Guests can access The Gantry at LC-39 via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which is included with daily admission. The journey adds another layer to the experience, as visitors travel through active NASA territory to reach this unique destination.
The Gantry at LC-39 delivers an inspiring blend of science, history, nature, and technology—making it a must-visit for anyone curious about space, Earth, or humanity’s role in both.
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